Jim Thome passes Sammy Sosa for 7th on all-time home run list

He finally did it in the fourth inning Friday night in Cleveland. The Orioles were already up by six runs, so it was a pretty meaningless bomb.

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But when you are 41, have played 22 years and have been as daunting of a slugger as Thome has over his career, no homer is meaningless anymore.

Thome’s 418-foot shot – off the 39-year-old Derek Lowe – was the 610th of his career. That put him in sole possession of seventh all-time on the home run list, breaking a tie with former Oriole Sammy Sosa.

The fact that it came in Cleveland, where Thome has spent roughly half of his career, added to the allure.

Of course, the aw-shucks Thome didn't bite too much on the line of questioning.

"I'm most happy about winning the game," said Thome, who gave up a bat and two signed baseballs in return for the souvenir home run ball. "The key was getting the lead against Lowe. He's a guy that once he gets settled can be very good."

Orioles manager Buck Showalter had no problem praising his new DH.

"There's nothing Jimmy doesn't do that I don't say, 'Man, you're pretty lucky to watch this.' I am honored to have him pass my way. They don't come like him too often," Showalter said. "Having the great fortune to have him on our club now, I have always admired him so much from afar. Just the way he goes about business and the way he treats teammates and treats the game. He sets such a great example for all of our players. Seeing him walk is an honor. … The game is going to miss him when he is not around anymore, I can tell you that."

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